FAQs About Lice Treatment

Have questions? We’re here to make the lice removal process clear and stress-free. Browse our FAQs to learn more about what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having head lice is not considered a serious medical condition unless left untreated. However, proper care is important to avoid complications or spread.

Head lice are most commonly transmitted through direct head-to-head contact. Transmission through clothing, furniture, or other objects is unlikely, as lice cannot survive off the human scalp for more than 24 hours and begin to weaken within six hours.

No, there is no connection between personal cleanliness and getting head lice. Stray lice that fall off the head are usually injured or dying and cannot cause a new infestation.

No, lice cannot jump or fly; they can only crawl or run from one host to another. Lice are human-specific and cannot live on pets like cats or dogs.

No, fumigating is unnecessary, toxic, and expensive. Proper lice removal methods are sufficient for controlling outbreaks.

While over-the-counter treatments like Rid or Nix are commonly used, they contain pesticides and may pose risks. Home treatments should be applied carefully to avoid severe reactions such as burns or toxicity.

Head lice do not carry diseases. However, secondary dangers like allergic reactions, severe burns, or infections can result from improper treatments.

In addition to the scalp, lice can sometimes live on eyelashes, eyebrows, and beards.

No, hairsprays and gels do not prevent lice infestations.

Many over-the-counter lice products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Lice Signs

  • Itching: Only about 50% of people experience itching caused by lice.
  • Eggs (Nits): Tiny, tear-shaped eggs that vary in color and are attached to hair shafts near the scalp.
  • Rash: A rash may develop at the nape of the neck due to irritation.
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lice infestations can sometimes cause swollen glands.
  • Low-Grade Fever: A mild fever may occur in some cases.
  • Fatigue: Bags under the eyes and daytime sleepiness can result from poor sleep due to discomfort.

School Policy Definitions

A “No Nit” policy requires that students be sent home from school as soon as nits are discovered. The American Association of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses advocate that the “No Nit” policies should be discontinued. These organizations recommend discontinuation because:

•Nits are cemented to hair shafts and are unlikely to be transferred to other people.

•The burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.

•Misdiagnosis of nits is very common during nit checks conducted by non-medical personnel.

Many schools have discarded their “No Nit” policy because lice are not inherently dangerous and thus, in their opinion, do not warrant children missing school. Attendance is crucial to students’ earning higher grades and to schools receiving federal and state funding.

Lice Perspectives recommends a modified “No Nit” policy, with children being sent home for treatment at the end of the day rather than immediately (unless lice are discovered school wide). as the best way to reduce attendance/embarrassment issues and to prevent the spreading of lice.

With a “No Live Lice” policy, students found to have live head lice are excluded from school and not allowed to return until they are lice-free. Students are re-examined in 14 days to confirm that they have remained lice-free. Students with nits and no evidence of live head lice are not excluded from school.

According to the endorsers (American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association and the National Association of School Nurses) of the “No Live Lice” policy, studies have shown that school-wide screenings for nits are time consuming, costly and ineffective.

Lice Perspectives disagrees. School-wide screenings, if done by us, are efficient, inexpensive and effective. We believe that the “No Live Lice” policy is dangerous because active cases of lice will be missed as newly hatched lice are to small to be seen on a quick head check.

A “Live and Let Live” policy does not send a child home from school for lice or nits. If a child has lice in her/his hair, the nurse contacts parents but sends the child back to the classroom for the rest of the day. Parents are expected to treat the lice, but no one enforces this expectation. No classes or groups are screened for bugs.

Ready to Eliminate Lice for Good?

When it comes to lice, timing is everything. Lice Perspectives offers same-week appointments, proven treatments, and professional care delivered right to your door. Serving families across Northern Indiana (including NWI & South Bend areas) and Southwest Michigan.

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